Artist As Carer is a collective with associate artists assembling in varying combinations depending on the requirements of the diverse projects under investigation.  In the same spirit the offer to join an Artist As Carer project as an intern is made with an interest in the practice development of both the Interning artist/s and current projects.

Artist As Carer understands the value of apprenticeship style learning while advocating for reciprocity for all artists who offer their skills and time.

In this spirit each chosen intern is offered –

• The experience of working directly on the delivery of each project with one of Australia’s leading artists in the area of culturally specific, participatory practice.

• Specific mentoring sessions with Leisa Shelton to develop their own current independent projects.

•  A letter of recommendation for future applications / projects.

2026 Interns

Narii Salmon

Narii Salmon (they/he) is a proud Pasifika theatre maker and recent graduate of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre) at the Victorian College of the Arts. Working across written, digital and embodied forms, their extra-disciplinary practice explores the intersections of cultural identity, politics and lived experience. Narii is excited to create politically active, socially engaged work, informed by their interest in writing and research on politics and history. Through theatre and performance, they continue to ask how cultural practice can shape the artist's responsibility to imagine and build better futures. Narii is thrilled to have been given this opportunity to nurture the kind of care and community he hopes to cultivate as his practice evolves. 

Bridget Webster

Bridget Webster (she/they) is an emerging maker working to create live, literary and digital experiences on the stolen lands of the Wurundjeri people. Holding degrees in filmmaking and creative writing, they delight in using experimental and participatory forms to explore ecology and collective world-building. Bridget’s writing has been awarded a Nature Writing Prize by Island and Emerging Poet Prize by Liquid Amber Press and was shortlisted for Overland’s Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize. Their published work ranges across fiction, poetry and essays in places like Meanjin, Island, Jacaranda, and elsewhere. As a filmmaker, Bridget is interested in the medium’s accessibility and impact potential, and she currently works creating documentary and educational media. As a theatremaker, Bridget was a member of La Mama’s 2024 Emerge Program and has worked with Pony Cam and Pansy Productions as a performer and collaborator. She is excited to be working with Artist as Carer on politically engaged projects that flex the forms and roles of artists, venues and audiences while her multidisciplinary artistic practice takes shape.

2023 Interns

Lily Infantino

Lily is currently studying a Bachelor of Performing Arts at Federation University. Prior to that she completed two years of Classical Music Performance study at the University of Melbourne, as well as undertaking short-programs with both NIDA and VCA. She has always had a passion for music and theatre, partaking in school and amateur theatre works for many years. Since graduating in 2019, Lily has discovered a love for direction and production, areas she hopes to be able to explore more in the future. She is honoured to have been given this opportunity to learn and be a part of projects that aim to bring about significant change in not only the arts community, but the wider community as a whole.

Zephya Semaan

Zephya is currently studying a Bachelor of Performing Arts at Federation University’s Arts Academy in Ballarat. Before that she trained at both 16th Street Actors Studio Youth Program and NIDA’s Young Actors Studio. Additionally she completed work experience with Australian Theatre for Young People in 2018. She grew up with a great love for theatre and art, frequently participating in community theatre and visiting the galleries near her home in Sydney. Zephya also has a passion for film making, creating a variety short films over the last six years. Overall, Zephya is excited to work on projects that make a positive difference in our society and start important discussions on inclusivity, equity and accessibility, now and in the future.